Intro to Sociology

Schools of Thought

Macro vs. Micro Macrosociology – analyzes social systems on a large scale Eg. What role does religion play in society? Microsociology – study of small groups within a society Eg. What role does religion play in the life of an individual

Structural Functionalism Society is made up of social institutions that have a particular function Structures work together to create a society Emile Durkheim – Functional Differentiation – society diversifies to deal with a complex environment, but still connected to one another Society defines itself based on social interactions Talcott Parsons – People have strong desire to interact and cooperate with others based on common goals

Conflict Theory Focuses on how structures maintain equilibrium – studies competition between groups for power Karl Marx – witnessed how factory owners exploited their workers – little pay + poor living conditions Prolateriat vs. Bourgeoisie Accounts for inequalities in economy and can track social change based on economical research

Feminist Sociology Observe gender inequalities – how men have controlled the lives of women (pay, jobs, power) Dorothy Smith – Canadian sociologist – sociology does not represent all members – only the patriarchy in society

Symbolic Interactionism Studies human interaction at micro level – we accept roles in order to fit into society We learn and act according to how we interpret a social system and social experiences – give meaning to social interactions Charles Cooley/George Mead Looking-Glass Self – explains how individuals see themselves through they eyes of others. Self is mirrored and reflected in interactions with others eg. Creating an online profile to reflect how we would like to be seen by others

Social Influence Effects of others on a persons thoughts/actions Family, Gender, Culture, Media How do we learn about Gender Roles? What happens when we don’t conform?

Socialization The continuing process where an individual learns the appropriate behavioural patterns, skill, and values in his/her social world How do you learn where to sit at lunch? Where did you learn the “social rules” of school? Workplace? Social gathering?

Socialization Process of learning what is acceptable or not – norms, values Have you ever done something because your friends encouraged you to?

Categories of Socialization Primary Socialization – process of learning basic skills needed to survive – who teaches you these? Secondary Socialization – process of learning to behave appropriately in group situations Anticipatory Socialization – process of learning how to plan the way to behave in new situations – Types of clothing, demeanor Resocialization – negative behaviour is transformed into acceptable behaviour

Agents of Socialization People/Institutions that shape a person’s social development Primary Socializing Agent – the family

Agents of Socialization Secondary Agents – school, peers, workplace, media, religion Which agents of socialization have affected you the most? If fewer people are practicing religion, why do we still study its influence on socialization?